Sling Placement

Slings are used to treat female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). They are not effective in treating urge incontinence.

There are a wide variety of slings, including the pubovaginal sling, the midurethral retropubic slings and the transobturator slings.

Most women with SUI have movement of their urethra away from the pubic bone when abdominal pressure is increased, such as during coughing. The sling remains stationary, and comes in contact with the urethra during its downward movement, essentially compressing it. It can be likened to stepping on a hose with running water and shutting the stream off.

You will be getting a pre-procedure phone call (per Medicare requirements) to go over items such as what medications you currently take and any drug allergies you have – including latex, as we use latex gloves in the exam. The sling procedure is carried out under general anesthesia, so you will be reminded to have nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to procedure and to bring a driver with you. You will be asked if you have a living will or durable power of attorney.

The Procedure

• Please arrive 1 hour prior to examination to facilitate any outstanding paperwork that may need to be completed, and consult with anesthesia.
• Your total procedure time will be approximately 20-30 minutes; however, total time in center is approximately 2 hours.
• You will not be allowed to drive yourself home following this surgery.

Post-Procedure

• No heavy lifting >10 lbs, exercise, sex or anything in the vagina for six weeks.
• You may have spotting for up to one week; this is normal. If brisk bleeding occurs (saturating one pad per hour), call the office.
• You may feel that your urine stream has changed.
• You may experience a pulling sensation on one side of your pelvis which is normal.
• You may experience worsening of your urge incontinence after surgery for a time. If this is bothersome, discuss with your doctor who may offer you medications.